How to stretch the shoe? Learn about proven home methods
Too tight shoes in the toes is a real nightmare. Not only are they terribly uncomfortable, they can also lead to hallux, blisters and corns. To overcome this problem, you do not need to use the services of a professional shoemaker. You might as well do it yourself at home. We advise you how to stretch your shoes quickly and efficiently.
How to stretch shoes with a dryer?
Are you in a hurry and only this particular pair of shoes fits your outfit and you just have to put it on? Nothing is lost! All you need is… a dryer!
Using a dryer is one of the most popular methods that brings brilliant results. Works best with leather and suede shoes.
Set the temperature to a moderate level and keep the shoes warm in places where you feel discomfort when you put them on. It will be even more effective if you put them on your feet wearing thick woolen socks. Then the shoes will become more plastic and perfectly adapt to the structure of your feet, and you will feel as if they were made to measure.
Warning! The key to success is the right distance. You certainly don't want your footwear to be damaged by heat. It is safest to hold the dryer about 20 cm from the shoe. Don't forget to keep it running. This way you will avoid burning the material.
Also, remember not to keep your shoes warm for too long. After each minute of operation, it is worth waiting for them to cool down. Otherwise, the glue may deteriorate and the leather shoes may lose their color. After using this method, it is advisable to nourish the shoes with a special care preparation. High temperature can dry out the skin.
How to stretch boots in the freezer?
A slightly less popular, but equally effective solution is placing too tight shoes in the freezer. This method will work for high heels, sneakers, sports shoes and shoes made of a material other than leather. You will need a zip-bag and water.
Just fill the bag with water 1/3 of its height and make sure it is tightly closed. Then put her in a tight shoe. If your toes are most uncomfortable, this is where the pouch should be. Put the prepared shoes in the freezer and leave there overnight. The water will turn into ice, and therefore will increase in volume, thereby stretching too tight shoes in the toes.
After taking the shoes out of the freezer, leave them - along with the bag filled with ice - at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. After this time, you can easily remove the zip-bag from the shoe.
How to sell out new shoes?
If you have enough time, you can try selling new shoes. Just wear them around the house for as many days as you feel comfortable wearing them. It is worth helping with a stretching spray. All you need to do is spray it on tight places before putting on your shoes. We also recommend wearing a pair of thick socks, which will further enhance the effect.
If you are considering replacing or returning your shoes, make sure that you only walk on carpet or other soft surface when stretching your shoes in this manner. In this way, the shoes will not show any visible signs of use, which could make it impossible to return or replace them.
Warning! This method can cause blistering. Therefore, before proceeding with the activity, allow your feet to rest after a hard day's work. Pay special attention to this on hot days, when the feet swell naturally.
Newspapers, socks, alcohol, potatoes, i.e. unusual ways to make shoes that are too small
You can use old newspapers to stretch too tight shoes. Roll them into sloppy balls and stuff your shoes with them. Wait a few hours, preferably all night, and enjoy a slightly larger shoe size. You can successfully replace newspapers with rolled up socks.
If you want to break your shoes wide, you can use alcohol as well. Dilute it 1: 1 with water and place the prepared solution in a spray bottle. Spray it on the inside of too tight shoes and put them on your feet. After 20 minutes you will definitely feel like your shoes have become a little looser.
An alternative way to stretch your boots is with a peeled potato. Pat it dry with a paper towel and leave it in your shoe overnight. This way you will gain extra space in your fingers.
How to widen shoes with shoe trees?
If, after testing all the methods, you still haven't achieved the desired results, it is worth investing in professional shoe trees made of wood or plastic. Additionally, you will need a special skin softening product that will help you extend it. Thanks to this, the material will loosen and the shoes will be able to stretch without much difficulty.
All you have to do is place the shoe trees in a too tight pair of shoes and adjust them to the shoes with the help of the adjustment screws until you feel resistance. Repeat this process every 8-12 hours until you get the results you want.
The main disadvantage of this solution is the relatively long duration. The entire process may require a few to several days of patience. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts in this case. Too violent and excessively strong stretching of the shoe with the shoe may result in shoe damage.
We hope that the presented methods have helped you to deal with the problem of too tight shoes.
